a Lampworker
We’re a nation of creatives down here in Cornwall inspired by the coast that surrounds us. We formulate ideas and design things in our own special way. This is Freya’s story on how she found her unique creative vision with glass and turned it into something beautiful.
Freya remembers making things from an early age. There’s somewhat of a parental influence in there for her as her father was a furniture maker, another creative influencing a younger mind I guess. When Freya was 12, her parents took her to a local jeweller that lived down the hill from them (Jack Trowbridge) and he was kind enough to give her lessons in the art of jewellery making. Her dads workshop was always to hand as were the tools he worked with, so the opportunity to make things were always available. Everything close to home.
So what is a Lampworker then? “Someone who uses a torch to melt rods, or tubes of glass to form into solid or blown items”.
From making things at home this progressed onto college for Freya, as she enrolled on a vocational art course which she loved. This course furthered her creative interests and Uni soon followed where she started to study a contemporary crafts degree. Sadly, Freya only lasted 6 weeks because she felt that the emphasis of the course wasn't really focused towards learning a craft, coupled with the costs associated with Uni, she moved on. In and around that time of her life, a friend of hers invited her to the US, so she headed over there for a few months to see what might be on offer. Whilst in the US she discovered the art of glass blowing and was lucky enough to find an assistants role. Some time later, she came across a “lampworker” working in the same studio who made these beautiful collectable marbles which she found mesmerising in the way they were made.
Freya returned from her travels and continued to work along side other creatives in various roles from textiles to illustration. However, her overseas experience of Lampworking in the US played a pivotal role to where she finds herself today, self employed and working from her small but functional space as a Lampworker.
So what is a Lampworker then? Here’s Freya’s explanation for you - “ it’s someone who uses a torch to melt rods, or tubes of glass to form into solid or blown items. Depending on the size of torch and type of glass, anything from tiny beads to wine decanters can be made”. I got the chance to give Lampworking a go under the watchful eye of Freya when we met up. The concentration and focus on what I was trying to create was crazy but Freya made it look so easy when she did it. Big skills are needed here and you can see that in the quality of work Freya produces.
Thanks for your time Freya and for allowing me to step into your world of glass…..RD
